Meet Fruit Tree Educator Susan Poizner

I am a journalist, filmmaker and urban orchardist. I created OrchardPeople.com because it was exactly what I needed when I planted my first fruit trees in 2009.

Check out my award-winning resources including:

Watch the video below to learn more about me and my story!

How I had to overcome the challenges of growing fruit trees organically

Many people know me as a fruit tree care influencer who creates award-winning educational resources on fruit tree care. But my journey began in 2009 when I co-founded the Ben Nobleman Park Community Orchard in Toronto.

Early on, our young trees suffered from slow growth, poor production and pest and disease challenges. So I used my background as a journalist and BBC-trained media professional to take a deep-dive into organic fruit tree care.

I read countless fruit tree care books, interviewed experts, and found mentors. Eventually, I developed an effective approach to growing healthy, organic fruit trees which I share in my courses at Learn.OrchardPeople.com.

In this video, Harold Thornbro of RedemptionPermaculture.com interviews me about the lessons I have learned over the years. Harold is a wonderful interviewer...I hope it inspires you!

I have been featured on these podcasts and more...

Click on any podcast to listen.

Learn from my monthly podcast!

Each hour-long episode is a lesson in fruit tree care!

For a full list of podcasts visit Podcast.orchardpeople.com.

Keynote Talks on Fruit Tree Care

I am a dynamic and entertaining educational speaker and have given fruit tree care talks across North America at conferences for The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and other organizations.

  • Secrets of Fruit Tree Care

  • Winter and Summer Fruit Tree Pruning

  • Protecting Fruit Trees from Pests and Diseases

  • Urban Orchard Design

  • Choosing Easier-to-Grow Fruit Trees

Explore all my topics in more detail on my keynote speaker page. I have done talks for the following organizations.

Awards for my work

Over the years I was honored with a number of awards for my work from GardenComm (formerly the Garden Writer's Association).

Fruit Tree Grafting for Everyone. GardenComm Silver Award of Achievement 2025 Book Writing: Technical/Reference.
Logo for GardenComm 2024 Gold Award
Complete Fruit Tree Pruning & Grafting, Gold Laurel Media Award 2024: Special Project Online Course.
Logo for GardenComm 2024 Silver Award
Complete Fruit Tree Pruning & Grafting, Silver Laurel Media Award 2024: Special Project Online Course.
Logo for GardenComm 2021 Gold Award
OrchardPeople.com Gold Award of Achievement 2021 Website, Individual: Overall.
Logo for GardenComm 2021 Silver Award
The Urban Forestry Radio Show & Podcast Silver Award of Achievement 2021: Radio Program Overall.
The Urban Forestry Radio Show & Podcast Silver Award of Achievement 2017 Podcast Series: Overall
OrchardPeople.com Silver Award of Achievement 2017 Website, Individual: Overall
OrchardPeople.com Online Fruit Tree Care Training Silver Award of Achievement 2015
OrchardPeople.com Online Fruit Tree Care Training Silver Award of Achievement 2014
Growing Urban Orchards Silver Award of Achievement 2014 Book Writing: General Readership

Contact Me

Do you want to interview me for your podcast or publication? I'd love to hear from you. I can cover fruit tree pruning, pest and disease prevention, fertility management, fruit tree cultivars, rootstock choices and lots more. Contact me below!

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